Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’

Looking for a holiday gift for newlyweds or a soon-to-be-married pair? Skip the one-size-fits-all approach this year, and check out these creative and personal, hand-picked gifts that are perfect for any couple.

1. Personalized 16″ Wooden Serving Tray ($47.95). This sleek, polished black wooden serving tray is great for serving hors d’oeuvres while entertaining or keeping barware or other household items organized. Customize it with the couple’s last name initial at no extra charge.

2. Montage Custom Photo Book ($39 and up). This simple-to-use photo book service lets couples create a custom wedding album crafted from high-quality materials. In as little as 15 minutes, an auto-layout tool designs these striking albums, which include up to 180 photos on 70 lay-flat pages. Photo books available in three sizes. GroomsAdvice readers automatically receive free shipping at checkout by clicking here.

3. Eat, Drink and Be Married Personalized Cutting Board ($45). Made from locally-sourced maple, this handmade, 16×9 cutting board is engraved with “Eat Drink and Be Married” and personalized with the couple’s wedding year. The engraved side is perfect for display, while the functional reverse side can be used for cutting and chopping.

4. Personalized Our Song Throw Pillow Cover ($36). This 100 percent cotton, personalized retro-themed “our song” throw pillow makes a great keepsake of the couple’s wedding song. Available in three sizes and two designs (record or cassette tape), the pillow can be personalized with a year, couple’s names, song name and artist.

The holidays are one of the most popular times of the year for engagements. In fact, there may be no time of year as perfect for popping the question. The crisp air, the beauty of falling snow and the twinkling lights provide the most romantic backdrop for a proposal. And it’s also usually a time when families get together, making the engagement announcement memorable. But even the most creative holiday proposal can be derailed by an engagement ring that doesn’t “wow” her.

These days, according to The Knot, almost 2/3 of brides are involved in some way with the ring purchase, but her focus is aimed primarily on the style of the ring. There are two more elements that you need to think about when choosing a ring so it will have visual appeal and be emotionally charged: quality and meaning.

1/2 ct Halo Diamond Engagement Ring from LVE

To ensure quality in any product, it’s always wise to seek out a trusted leader in any field. This is even more vital when it comes to something as important as a diamond engagement ring. One of those leaders is LVE™ Diamonds, a part of Schachter & Co, the leading producer of fine diamonds in the world . The company’s founder, Leo Schachter, originated some of today’s most popular and brightest diamond cuts. As a testimony to this precision, each LVE round-brilliant diamond is certified by the American Gem Society, as “AGS Triple Zero”, the highest grade for cut, polish and symmetry. LVE fancy shape diamonds are accompanied by a GIA report supporting their quality.

Every piece of LVE beautifully designed diamond jewelry is the culmination of passion and craftsmanship, achieved with the experience of four generations of artisans. When it comes to symbolizing meaning in an engagement ring or wedding band, LVE designs include an iconic thread, the symbol of the brand. This proprietary design element is something you will not find in any other piece of jewelry and it represents a couple’s unique voyage together.

Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring from LVE

For the most romantic backdrop for your proposal, think about the holidays. If you want her to have a sparkling engagement ring of impeccable quality that wows, look no further than LVE Diamonds. To see a full selection of styles visit http://www.lvediamonds.com.

About the author: Michael O’Connor is one of America’s leading voices on jewelry, style and accessories and has become the “go-to” resource for editors and producers seeking information on current trends and celebrity information. O’Connor as been involved in the luxury, jewelry and fashion industries in a career that spans over 25 years. Connect with Michael on Facebook and Twitter.

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Is proposing during the holidays a good idea? Tell us why or why not in the comment section below.

If shopping for the men on your holiday list typically leaves you perplexed, exasperated, and/or hunting for the nearest bottle of wine (no judgment!), you’ve come to the right place. Don’t spend another minute contemplating whether he needs another “tool” or maybe “something” for the yard. We’ll level with you: The answer is almost always no. So save yourself some stress this year, and check out these fun, dude-approved gifts we’ve rounded up instead. It’ll be our little secret.

1. Personalized Craft Beer 12-Pack Bottle Cooler ($39.95). Perfect for toting 12 bottles or 18 cans of his favorite brew to the next tailgate or BBQ, this rugged craft beer cooler with an attached bottle opener, front pocket and a removable shoulder strap, will keep his beverages nice and frosty. Personalization included.

2. Personalized Men’s Leather Watch Case ($57.97). With a glass lid and 10 removable velvet cushions, this handsome leather watch case will keep his growing timepiece collection safe and organized at all times. Add his initial to the lid at no extra cost.

3. Powerbeats2 Wireless Earbuds ($199.95). Ideal for working out and traveling (or even just taking calls), these sweat- and water-resistant, wireless earbuds will keep him jamming for up to six hours of nonstop playback from a 30-foot Bluetooth connection. Available in five colors.

4. Custom 3pc. Golf Set ($69.95). The perfect gift for any golfer, this set comes with a sleek golf shoe bag, handy divot repair/ball marker tool and a plush terry cloth towel. Personalization on the bag and towel included.

5. Oak Bourbon Barrel Mug ($59.95). Crafted from an American White Oak bourbon barrel, this is no ordinary mug. This is a man’s mug. Each mug is wrapped in black steel hoops and its interior is lightly toasted for enhanced flavor.

6. Engraved Whiskey Barrel Machine Gun Bullet Pen ($66.95). This bad-ass pen works double-duty for both whiskey lovers and gun or military enthusiasts. The tip of the pen is crafted from a whiskey barrel, while the body is made from a spent 50-caliber machine gun bullet. Engraving included.

7. Jawbone UP24 Fitness Wristband ($129.99). Whether he’s already active or resolving to get more fit in 2015, this comfortable fitness wristband will help him track his activity as well as his sleep, 24 hours a day, gently nudging him when he’s been sitting too long.

8. Personalized Men’s Shaving Set – Badger Hair Brush + Razor ($119.95). Treat him to the ultimate close shave with this luxe shaving set, which comes with an authentic badger hair brush, a razor that uses Gillette Mach3 blades and a stylish storage stand. Add his initials at no extra cost.

We know the holiday shopping season can be stressful (especially if you’re also trying to plan a wedding). When it comes to stocking stuffers, you want to surprise him with something unique that he’ll actually enjoy. Of course, the search is time consuming and it’s easy to break down and end up filling his stocking with candy canes and a Starbucks gift card. Hoping to resist that urge this year? Consider one of these totally unique options instead.

1. “In Case You Get Cold Feet” Groom Socks. We recently wrote about these customized groom socks, which are a fun wedding day attire idea for the groom. Is there a more appropriate way to gift them to him than on a chilly Christmas morning in a stocking? [Buy for $29.99 on Etsy]

2. Bourbon Barrel Stave Bottle Opener. Looking for a fun gift that’s one of a kind? These rustic bottle openers are handcrafted from the staves of an oak barrel that was used to age both bourbon and beer. Because no two oak barrels are exactly alike, your bottle opener will feature characteristics that are truly unique. [Buy for $19.95 at The Man Registry]

3. The Art of Shaving Soap + Bowl. Remember, you’re both winners when he’s sporting a close shave. Stuff his stocking with the gift of a traditional shaving experience with this set, which includes Sandalwood Shaving Soap and a classic wooden bowl. [Buy for $50 at The Art of Shaving]

4. Engraved Wood Grain Pocket Knife. This definitely beats whatever rusty old pocket knife he’s currently using. The Manchurian Ash handle provides the style, while the custom engraved surface offers a touch of sentiment to an item that no man should ever leave the house without. [Buy for $39.95 at The Man Registry]

5. Leather Travel Journal. Is 200 pages enough for him to jot down his wedding to-do list? If not, don’t worry. This 6″ x 8″ journal from Rustic Ridge Leather is refillable! [Buy for $36.97 on Amazon]

6. Port-O-Pong Floating Cooler. While summer may be the furthest thing from his mind on Christmas morning, he’ll appreciate the thought behind this floating cooler that can hold a 12-pack. Heck, it may even find its way into his honeymoon luggage. [Buy for $29.95 at The Man Registry]

7. Patriotic Neckties. Ties with the words of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence > ties without the words of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. [Buy for $45 at Uncommon Goods]

8. Mr. + Mrs. Flask Set. Receiving can be equally enjoyable as giving. Gift him a “Mr.” flask, complete with mustache design and treat yourself to the accompanying “Mrs.” version with pink lips. [Buy for $47.95 at The Man Registry]

What are your favorite types of stocking stuffers? Let us know in the comment section below.

Thinking about popping the question this holiday season? You’re not alone. According to national statistics, about 1/3 of couples get engaged around the holidays. If you’re planning your proposal now, here are a few tips for nailing it.

1. Plan ahead. While it may seem right to spontaneously ask her to marry you while you’re binge-watching “Homeland” together, she’ll appreciate it even more if she can tell you put some serious thought into your proposal ahead of time. Also make sure to sketch out a schedule of events beforehand to ensure that everything comes together as planned. She’ll be telling your engagement story over and over again, so make sure it’s a good one.

2. Make it about both of you. Love flying? You might think about popping the question during a helicopter ride. But is it her thing, too? If she’d just be going along for the ride, consider something that’s important to both of you instead. For example, if you both love wine tasting or cycling, think about ways to incorporate shared interests into your proposal.

3. Use the season for inspiration. If you’re not quite sure how or where to pop the question, use the season for cues. For example, if you both love hitting the ice skating rink, a favorite sledding hill or local holiday light display together, consider using one of these locations for your proposal. Incorporating nostalgia is another good option. Choosing the joint where the two of you shared your first cup of hot cocoa together could be the perfect, memorable proposal spot.

4. Add some bling. Including a ring in your proposal makes it official. Whether you propose with a diamond, sapphire, topaz, pearl, a simple band or even a placeholder ring until you can go ring shopping together — whatever makes most sense for her — she’ll know you mean business.

5. Include her loved ones. Really knock your proposal out of the park by incorporating her closest friends and family into this special moment. Consider enlisting a sibling to secretly lure her to the proposal location or size up her dream ring beforehand, or arrange to have her nearest and dearest meet you at a nearby bar for a celebratory drink afterward.